Verse 18.21 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 21 of 78
“
The Translation
“But that knowledge which perceives different entities of various kinds as distinct from one another in all living beings—know that knowledge to be in the mode of passion (Rajasic).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna continues his analysis of knowledge (jñāna), contrasting the unified vision of Sattva with the fragmented vision of Rajas. In Vedic philosophy, seeing diversity without underlying unity is considered the root cause of fear (bhaya) and conflict, as it separates the individual from the whole.
Practical Application
1
When interacting with someone different from you, focus on your shared feelings and needs rather than superficial differences.
Reflections & Notes
Saved to browser
Self-Reflection Prompts
- How does a worldview built on absolute separation (us vs. them) justify exploitation, tribalism, and war?
- Why is it that our intellect so easily falls into the Rajasic habit of labeling and separating people?
Have you finished this lesson?
Mark this verse as studied to track your progress and see your learning journey on the dashboard.
18.21
पृथक्त्वेन तु यज्ज्ञानं नानाभावान्पृथग्विधान्
Shankara comments that Rajasic knowledge is the ordinary, non-philosophical view of life. It assumes that there are many different souls, and that joy, pain, and birth belong to the spirit. This ignorance of the single, underlying consciousness keeps the soul bound to material dualities.